Towards Inclusive Source Code Readability Based on the Preferences of Programmers with Visual Impairments

[YukaKaniwa]

Links

• Paper: https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/3613904.3642512

Abstract

Code readability is crucial for program comprehension, maintenance, and collaboration. However, many of the standards for writing readable code are derived from sighted developers’ readability needs. We conducted a qualitative study with 16 blind and visually impaired (BVI) developers to better understand their readability preferences for common code formatting rules such as identifier naming conventions, line length, and the use of indentation. Our findings reveal how BVI developers’ preferences contrast with those of sighted developers and how we can expand the existing rules to improve code readability on screen readers. Based on the findings, we contribute an inclusive understanding of code readability and derive implications for programming languages, development environments, and style guides. Our work helps broaden the meaning of readable code in software engineering and accessibility research.

• 16人の視覚障害のある開発者を対象に、コードの読みやすさの好みを理解するための定性調査を実施

実験の対象とする、読みやすくするためのルール

結果：読みやすさの分類

• 1行を短くする、意味のある変数名にする、インデントはスペースよりもタブの方が良いなどが好まれた
• punctuationの読み上げの設定、読み上げ速度、読み上げのミスなどスクリーンリーダの利用による問題も挙げられた